Beginner's guide

How to buy a domain name

Buying a domain takes about five minutes. Here's the correct end-to-end flow — from choosing a name to pointing it at your site.

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The short answer

Choose a short, memorable name; check availability with a registrar's search; register it (pick your term); turn on WHOIS privacy so your details stay hidden; confirm the ICANN verification email; then point it at your site by editing basic DNS records. Enable auto-renew so you never lose the name.

Choose the name

Keep it short, easy to spell, and easy to say aloud. Avoid hyphens and numbers where possible. Pick an extension: .com is the safest default for broad audiences; a specialized TLD like .ai fits a specific niche.

Check availability

Use a registrar's domain search. It tells you instantly whether the name is free, taken, or premium-priced. If taken, try variations or a different TLD before settling.

Register it

Add it to your cart, choose a term (one year is typical for most TLDs; .ai requires a two-year minimum), and check out. Compare the renewal price, not just the first-year promo.

Turn on WHOIS privacy

Registration submits contact details that can appear in the public WHOIS directory. WHOIS privacy replaces them with the registrar's proxy details. It's free at some registrars, ~$10–$15/yr at others — enable it unless you have a reason not to.

Confirm the ICANN verification email

After purchase you'll get a mandatory verification email. Click the link (typically within 15 days) or the domain can be suspended.

Set up basic DNS

DNS records connect your domain to services: A (IPv4 address), CNAME (alias, e.g. www), MX (email), and nameservers (delegate DNS to your host). Most website builders give you exact values to paste in — or connect the domain automatically.

Enable auto-renew

Domains expire. Turn on auto-renewal and keep a valid card on file so you never accidentally lose the name to someone else.

Questions
No — you lease it for the registered term and must renew to keep it. Auto-renew prevents accidental loss.
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